A former Epsom mayor has been selected as Labour's parliamentary candidate for Epsom and Ewell in the 2015 general election.

Epsom councillor Sheila Carlson, who represents Court ward and was the borough’s mayor from 2011 to 2012, was chosen following a meeting of the party’s members on Thursday, November 28.

Coun Carlson became a borough councillor in 1997 and has won subsequent elections in 1999, 2003, 2009 and 2011. 

On her selection as prospective parliamentary candidate, she said: "I’m honoured to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for the 2015 parliamentary election. 

"The election will take place at an important time for our country and will represent a simple choice between either a Labour or Conservative government.

"I look forward to fighting a positive campaign over the next 17 months, focusing on the issues that matter most to local people.

"I will hold Chris Grayling to account for his actions and outline the change that a Labour government would bring to the residents of Epsom and Ewell."

Coun Carlson’s fellow Epsom court ward councillor Dan Stevens, the leader of the Labour group on Epsom Council, congratulated his colleague.

He said: "Having served the people of court ward for the past 15 years, Sheila has shown she has all the qualities needed to take the fight to Chris Grayling."

Coun Carlson, who has played an active role in the Epsom Guardian’s Dignity for the Dead at Horton Cemetery campaign, will continue to serve as a councillor for court ward while running her parliamentary campaign.

Mr Grayling, 51, who also serves in David Cameron’s Cabinet as Secretary of State for Justice, has been MP for Epsom and Ewell since 2001.

For more on the General Election visit www.epsomguardian.co.uk/generalelection2015

 

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